Strawberry spinach salad is one of those recipes that instantly feels fresh and uplifting. The combination of tender spinach, juicy strawberries, and a lightly sweet-tangy dressing creates a dish that’s bright, colorful, and incredibly satisfying without feeling heavy.
This salad is especially popular in spring and summer, when strawberries are at their peak, but it’s versatile enough to enjoy year-round. Whether you serve it as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or part of a larger spread, strawberry spinach salad delivers a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and crisp textures in every bite.
What makes this salad stand out is its simplicity paired with thoughtful contrasts. Sweet fruit meets earthy greens, crunchy toppings add texture, and a well-balanced dressing ties everything together without overwhelming the ingredients.
Why Strawberry Spinach Salad Is So Popular
-
Naturally fresh and light, yet filling
-
Packed with color, flavor, and nutrients
-
Quick to prepare with minimal cooking
-
Easy to customize with proteins or toppings
-
Works for casual meals and special occasions
It’s the kind of salad that appeals to almost everyone, even those who don’t usually reach for greens.
Equipment
You won’t need much to bring this salad together:
-
Large salad bowl
-
Small bowl or jar (for dressing)
-
Whisk or fork
-
Cutting board
-
Sharp knife
Ingredients List
For the Salad
-
6 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
-
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
-
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
-
⅓ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
-
¼ cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans
-
Optional add-ins: avocado slices, blueberries, cucumber
For the Dressing
-
⅓ cup olive oil
-
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
-
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
-
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Timing & Servings
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Cook Time: None
-
Total Time: 15 minutes
-
Servings: 4 servings
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad
Step 1. Prep the Spinach
Start with fresh, crisp spinach. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely—excess water can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy. Baby spinach works best for its tender texture and mild flavor.
Step 2. Slice the Strawberries
Hull the strawberries and slice them evenly. Thin slices distribute sweetness throughout the salad, while thicker slices provide juicy bursts of flavor.
Tip: If strawberries are slightly underripe, let them sit at room temperature for a bit to enhance their sweetness.
Step 3. Add Supporting Ingredients
Thinly sliced red onion adds a subtle bite that balances the sweetness of the fruit. Use it sparingly so it enhances rather than dominates.
Add nuts for crunch and cheese for creaminess. Feta offers a salty contrast, while goat cheese adds tang and richness.
Step 4. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust—add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
A good strawberry spinach salad dressing should be balanced, not overpowering.
Step 5. Assemble and Toss
Combine spinach, strawberries, onion, nuts, and cheese in a large bowl. Drizzle dressing over the top just before serving and toss gently to coat.
Serve immediately for the freshest texture and flavor.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Spinach Salad
-
Use ripe, in-season strawberries for the best flavor
-
Dry spinach thoroughly before assembling
-
Add dressing just before serving
-
Toast nuts lightly for deeper flavor
-
Keep cheese crumbled loosely for even distribution
These small details make a noticeable difference in the final dish.
Delicious Variations to Try
With Grilled Chicken
Add sliced grilled chicken breast to turn this salad into a complete, protein-rich meal.
With Candied Nuts
Swap plain nuts for lightly candied pecans or almonds for extra sweetness and crunch.
With Poppy Seed Dressing
A poppy seed dressing pairs beautifully with strawberries and spinach for a classic twist.
Vegan-Friendly Version
Use maple syrup in the dressing and skip the cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
Serving Suggestions
-
As a light lunch with crusty bread
-
Alongside grilled chicken, fish, or salmon
-
At picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings
-
As a starter for brunch or dinner
-
With quiche, pasta dishes, or sandwiches
It’s visually appealing and refreshing, making it a crowd-pleaser on any table.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
-
Calories: 220–260
-
Protein: 5–7g
-
Carbohydrates: 14–18g
-
Fat: 16–18g
-
Fiber: 3–4g
-
Sugar: 9–12g
Values vary based on cheese, nuts, and dressing quantity.
Storage Tips
-
Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 24 hours
-
Keep dressing separate until serving
-
Avoid freezing
-
Expect softer spinach once dressed
For best texture and flavor, assemble just before serving.
If you appreciate salads with bold flavors and fresh ingredients, Caprese Salad, Ramen Noodle Salad with Cabbage, and Carrot Apple Salad are worth adding to your menu.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start with fresh, crisp spinach. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely—excess water can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy. Baby spinach works best for its tender texture and mild flavor.
- Hull the strawberries and slice them evenly. Thin slices distribute sweetness throughout the salad, while thicker slices provide juicy bursts of flavor.
- Tip: If strawberries are slightly underripe, let them sit at room temperature for a bit to enhance their sweetness.
- Thinly sliced red onion adds a subtle bite that balances the sweetness of the fruit. Use it sparingly so it enhances rather than dominates.
- Add nuts for crunch and cheese for creaminess. Feta offers a salty contrast, while goat cheese adds tang and richness.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust—add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
- A good strawberry spinach salad dressing should be balanced, not overpowering.
- Combine spinach, strawberries, onion, nuts, and cheese in a large bowl. Drizzle dressing over the top just before serving and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately for the freshest texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Strawberry spinach salad is fresh, vibrant, and endlessly versatile. With juicy strawberries, tender spinach, crunchy nuts, and a balanced homemade dressing, it delivers flavor that feels both nourishing and satisfying.
Whether served as a side dish or a light main, this salad is easy to prepare, beautiful to present, and always a hit. It’s a recipe worth keeping in regular rotation, especially when you want something light, colorful, and full of natural flavor.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make strawberry spinach salad ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients ahead, but dress the salad just before serving.
2. What cheese works best?
Feta and goat cheese are most popular, but blue cheese also works well.
3. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best. Frozen ones release too much moisture when thawed.
4. Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, if stored undressed and assembled just before eating.
5. What protein pairs well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon are excellent options.